Eyewitnesses and survivors said Sunday that the RSF is detaining more than 50,000 civilians across five main sites in the city of El Fasher, preventing them from leaving. The group has reportedly confiscated satellite internet devices (Starlink) and mobile phones in an effort to isolate detainees from the outside world.
Following its capture of the city, the RSF has been accused of widespread abuses against thousands of civilians — including killings, looting, arbitrary arrests, and forced displacement — drawing condemnation both domestically and internationally.
Three survivors who managed to flee to the nearby town of Tawila, about 56 kilometers southwest of El Fasher, told Sudan Tribune that “the RSF is holding more than 50,000 people inside the city and preventing them from leaving.”
The reported detention sites include the Eastern Bus Terminal, Al-Rasheed Dormitory, El Fasher University, the Saudi Hospital, and a site in the Awlad Al-Reef neighborhood. Thousands more are said to be gathered in the town of Garni, which the RSF previously designated as a collection point for those fleeing the city.
One survivor said the RSF had conducted extensive raids over recent days, particularly in the First-Class District — the last area sheltering thousands of civilians. Witnesses added that RSF fighters confiscated dozens of Starlink devices and phones, forcing detainees, especially young men, to record videos and voice messages sent to their families demanding ransom payments ranging from five million to 100 million Sudanese pounds in exchange for their release.
